Nairobi National Park Nairobi National Park is unique by being the only protected area in the world with a variety of animals and birds close to a capital city. The park is a principal attraction for visitors to Nairobi. It consists partly of thick woods near the city outskirts, partly of rolling plains and valleys, and partly of a wooded confluence of several rivers. Its vegetation is of the dry transitional savanna type. Acacias and other thorny varieties, muhuhu, Cape chestnut, and Kenya olive are the most important trees. Scores of mammals, such as lions, gazelles, black rhinoceroses, giraffes, various species of antelope, and zebras, as well as numerous reptiles and hundreds of species of birds, inhabit the park. The Nairobi Animal Orphanage, founded in 1963, is located inside the park. The park’s headquarters are at Nairobi. It is one of the most successful of Kenya’s rhino sanctuaries that is already generating a stock for reintroduction in the species former range and other upcoming sanctuaries. Due to this success, it is one of the few parks where a visitor can be certain of seeing a black rhino in its natural habitat.
Nairobi National Park
Nairobi National Park is unique by being the only protected area in the world with a variety of animals and birds close to a capital city. The park is a principal attraction for visitors to Nairobi.
It consists partly of thick woods near the city outskirts, partly of rolling plains and valleys, and partly of a wooded confluence of several rivers. Its vegetation is of the dry transitional savanna type. Acacias and other thorny varieties, muhuhu,Cape chestnut, and Kenya olive are the most important trees. Scores of mammals, such as lions, gazelles, black rhinoceroses, giraffes, various species of antelope, and zebras, as well as numerous reptiles and hundreds of species of birds, inhabit the park. The Nairobi Animal Orphanage, founded in 1963, is located inside the park. The park’s headquarters are at Nairobi.
It is one of the most successful of Kenya’s rhino sanctuaries that is already generating a stock for reintroduction in the species former range and other upcoming sanctuaries. Due to this success, it is one of the few parks where a visitor can be certain of seeing a black rhino in its natural habitat.
Nairobi Girraffe Centre The Giraffe Centre is one of the top tourist attractions for visitors to Nairobi. Don't miss the opportunity to spend time with these wild giraffes. As well as a chance to learn all about giraffes in Africa, you will get the chance to feed a giraffe by hand and if you are lucky, even kiss one. Jock Leslie-Melville and his wife, Betty, started the Giraffe Centre's work in 1979. This inspiring couple came to realize that the Rothschild Giraffes were severely endangered, with fewer than 180 Giraffes left in some areas. They brought two giraffes to their home in Langata with the aim of breeding. Since then, over 40 pairs of breeding giraffes have been released into the wild. The African Fund for Endangered Wildlife was set up and in 1989 the Giraffe Centre was born. The Giraffe Centre has evolved into one of Nairobi’s most popular tourist destinations. The Giraffe Sanctuary is a huge protected site where giraffes are able to wander free and safe. Opposite the sanctuary is a 12-acre area of bush where the Giraffe Centre and infamous Giraffe Manor are located. The Giraffe Manor was bought from the Melvilles in the 1990s and has morphed into one of the premier luxury hotels in the world. The Giraffes are wild but have learned that visitors to the Giraffe Centre mean food. They spend the night in the bush, but every morning at sunrise you will find them line up at the sanctuary gate to cross the road into the Giraffe Centre. If you drive past the Giraffe Centre for about 100 meters you will see the gates either side of the road and may be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of the giraffes patiently waiting. As you walk in, you are greeted by the towering
Nairobi Girraffe Centre
The Giraffe Centre is one of the top tourist attractions for visitors to Nairobi. Don't miss the
opportunity to spend time with these wild giraffes. As well as a chance to learn all about giraffes
in Africa, you will get the chance to feed a giraffe by hand and if you are lucky, even kiss one.
Jock Leslie-Melville and his wife, Betty, started the Giraffe Centre's work in 1979. This
inspiring couple came to realize that the Rothschild Giraffes were severely endangered, with
fewer than 180 Giraffes left in some areas. They brought two giraffes to their home in Langata
with the aim of breeding. Since then, over 40 pairs of breeding giraffes have been released into
the wild. The African Fund for Endangered Wildlife was set up and in 1989 the Giraffe Centre
was born.
The Giraffe Centre has evolved into one of Nairobi’s most popular tourist destinations. The
Giraffe Sanctuary is a huge protected site where giraffes are able to wander free and safe.
Opposite the sanctuary is a 12-acre area of bush where the Giraffe Centre and infamous Giraffe
Manor are located. The Giraffe Manor was bought from the Melvilles in the 1990s and has
morphed into one of the premier luxury hotels in the world.
The Giraffes are wild but have learned that visitors to the Giraffe Centre mean food. They spend
the night in the bush, but every morning at sunrise you will find them line up at the sanctuary
gate to cross the road into the Giraffe Centre. If you drive past the Giraffe Centre for about 100
meters you will see the gates either side of the road and may be lucky enough to catch a glimpse
of the giraffes patiently waiting.
As you walk in, you are greeted by the towering forms of giraffes eating from the hands of their
human admirers. A raised platform that allows you to interact with them at head height or you
can stand at their feet and marvel at their lofty heights. Pellets of corn, wheat, grass and
molasses are handed to visitors which the Giraffe gracefully take from your hand. Those that are
dropped are greedily gobbled up by the warthogs that dance between the giraffe's legs.
The Giraffe Sanctuary entrance is opposite the centre. The sanctuary stretches all the way right to
Nairobi National Park, separated by Magadi road. It is home to many differ
ent species of bird and loads of warthogs. You can wander down to the Gogo River or view the
Ngong Hills from the viewing platform. The many warthogs live in deep black holes, so be wary.
In addition, the odd hyena, leopard and even lion make its
Nairobi Girraffe Centre The Giraffe Centre is one of the top tourist attractions for visitors to Nairobi. Don't miss the opportunity to spend time with these wild giraffes. As well as a chance to learn all about giraffes in Africa, you will get the chance to feed a giraffe by hand and if you are lucky, even kiss one. Jock Leslie-Melville and his wife, Betty, started the Giraffe Centre's work in 1979. This inspiring couple came to realize that the Rothschild Giraffes were severely endangered, with fewer than 180 Giraffes left in some areas. They brought two giraffes to their home in Langata with the aim of breeding. Since then, over 40 pairs of breeding giraffes have been released into the wild. The African Fund for Endangered Wildlife was set up and in 1989 the Giraffe Centre was born. The Giraffe Centre has evolved into one of Nairobi’s most popular tourist destinations. The Giraffe Sanctuary is a huge protected site where giraffes are able to wander free and safe. Opposite the sanctuary is a 12-acre area of bush where the Giraffe Centre and infamous Giraffe Manor are located. The Giraffe Manor was bought from the Melvilles in the 1990s and has morphed into one of the premier luxury hotels in the world. The Giraffes are wild but have learned that visitors to the Giraffe Centre mean food. They spend the night in the bush, but every morning at sunrise you will find them line up at the sanctuary gate to cross the road into the Giraffe Centre. If you drive past the Giraffe Centre for about 100 meters you will see the gates either side of the road and may be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of the giraffes patiently waiting. As you walk in, you are greeted by the towering
Nairobi Girraffe Centre
The Giraffe Centre is one of the top tourist attractions for visitors to Nairobi. Don't miss the
opportunity to spend time with these wild giraffes. As well as a chance to learn all about giraffes
in Africa, you will get the chance to feed a giraffe by hand and if you are lucky, even kiss one.
Jock Leslie-Melville and his wife, Betty, started the Giraffe Centre's work in 1979. This
inspiring couple came to realize that the Rothschild Giraffes were severely endangered, with
fewer than 180 Giraffes left in some areas. They brought two giraffes to their home in Langata
with the aim of breeding. Since then, over 40 pairs of breeding giraffes have been released into
the wild. The African Fund for Endangered Wildlife was set up and in 1989 the Giraffe Centre
was born.
The Giraffe Centre has evolved into one of Nairobi’s most popular tourist destinations. The
Giraffe Sanctuary is a huge protected site where giraffes are able to wander free and safe.
Opposite the sanctuary is a 12-acre area of bush where the Giraffe Centre and infamous Giraffe
Manor are located. The Giraffe Manor was bought from the Melvilles in the 1990s and has
morphed into one of the premier luxury hotels in the world.
The Giraffes are wild but have learned that visitors to the Giraffe Centre mean food. They spend
the night in the bush, but every morning at sunrise you will find them line up at the sanctuary
gate to cross the road into the Giraffe Centre. If you drive past the Giraffe Centre for about 100
meters you will see the gates either side of the road and may be lucky enough to catch a glimpse
of the giraffes patiently waiting.
As you walk in, you are greeted by the towering forms of giraffes eating from the hands of their
human admirers. A raised platform that allows you to interact with them at head height or you
can stand at their feet and marvel at their lofty heights. Pellets of corn, wheat, grass and
molasses are handed to visitors which the Giraffe gracefully take from your hand. Those that are
dropped are greedily gobbled up by the warthogs that dance between the giraffe's legs.
The Giraffe Sanctuary entrance is opposite the centre. The sanctuary stretches all the way right to
Nairobi National Park, separated by Magadi road. It is home to many differ
ent species of bird and loads of warthogs. You can wander down to the Gogo River or view the
Ngong Hills from the viewing platform. The many warthogs live in deep black holes, so be wary.
Laikipia Plateau Laikipia is truly one of Kenya’s treasures, from its geology and landscapes to its vast and unique biodiversity. It ranges in elevation from 1,700-2,550 meters, (averaging about 2,010 meters; Kareri 2009), and acts as a sort of bridge between the base of Mount Kenya and the edge of the Great Rift Valley. The Laikipia plateau – on which Loisaba Conservancy is located – is one of Kenya’s biggest stretches of wilderness: more than two million acres of private ranchland stretching from Mount Kenya to the Rift Valley. While some of the ranchers within the area still farm cattle, many of them – like Loisaba – have torn down their fences to allow wild animals to roam freely and elephants to migrate along an ancient wildlife corridor. As a result, the area has become one of the finest wildlife destinations in East Africa. On a drive, one might see exactly the same game you’d get in a large national park such as the Maasai Mara: herds of antelope, buffalo, and elephant, as well as rarer species such as wild dog, reticulated giraffe and Grevy’s zebra. Activities include: Bush walks, birding, game viewing, mountain biking and horse riding.
Laikipia Plateau
Laikipia is truly one of Kenya’s treasures, from its geology and landscapes to its vast and unique biodiversity. It ranges in elevation from 1,700-2,550 meters, (averaging about 2,010 meters; Kareri 2009), and acts as a sort of bridge between the base of Mount Kenya and the edge of the Great Rift Valley. The Laikipia plateau – on which Loisaba Conservancy is located – is one of Kenya’s biggest stretches of wilderness: more than two million acres of private ranchland stretching from Mount Kenya to the Rift Valley. While some of the ranchers within the area still farm cattle, many of them – like Loisaba – have torn down their fences to allow wild animals to roam freely and elephants to migrate along an ancient wildlife corridor.
As a result, the area has become one of the finest wildlife destinations in East Africa. On a drive, one might see exactly the same game you’d get in a large national park such as the Maasai Mara: herds of antelope, buffalo, and elephant, as well as rarer species such as wild dog, reticulated giraffe and Grevy’s zebra.
Activities include: Bush walks, birding, game viewing, mountain biking and horse riding.
Having hosted Vasco da Gama's fleet in 1498, Malindi has been welcoming strangers ever since. It's a bustling town that doesn't quite have the architecture of Lamu or the easy-going charm of Watamu, but it makes up for it with several worthwhile historical sites, its own Marine National Park and some fantastic stretches of beach. Beloved by Italians – many of whom have settled here (particularly Sicilians back in the 1970s, allegedly fleeing from Interpol). It is a melting pot of local cultures with a rich and fascinating history. Wander through the alleys of the atmospheric old town, dine on terrific Italian food beside the Indian Ocean or take a plunge into the crystal-clear waters of the national park, and you'll discover for yourself that Malindi is quite the charmer. The Marine National Park is an ideal day trip for divers and snorkellers alike. Northwest of Malindi is the spectacular Marafa Depression, locally known as Nyari and popularly known as Hell’s Kitchen. An extensive series of sandstone gorges and sheer gullies, this unique and otherworldly landscape has become part of local folklore. The thick jungles of the Arabuko Sokoke Forest reserve hide a world of wonders. In the cool of the forest winding paths will take you in search of rare endemic birds and mammals, and visiting herds of Elephant. The forest holds another secret, the lost town of Gedi, a deserted trading Swahili town hidden deep in the forests, whose winding passages and crumbling walls tell of a long and mysterious past. Activities include: Sawa Sawa dhow excursions Experience a full day trip on a Sawa Sawa - an authentic, hand-built East African dhow, made in Mozambique. Prepare for a fantastic day of sailing, exploring secluded malindi beach spots, snorkelling, a seafood lunch, and even a sundowner drink should
Sawa Sawa Dhow at Sunset in Malindi
Having hosted Vasco da Gama’s fleet in 1498, Malindi has been welcoming strangers ever since. It’s a bustling town that doesn’t quite have the architecture of Lamu or the easy-going charm of Watamu, but it makes up for it with several worthwhile historical sites, its own Marine National Park and some fantastic stretches of beach. Beloved by Italians – many of whom have settled here (particularly Sicilians back in the 1970s, allegedly fleeing from Interpol).
It is a melting pot of local cultures with a rich and fascinating history. Wander through the alleys of the atmospheric old town, dine on terrific Italian food beside the Indian Ocean or take a plunge into the crystal-clear waters of the national park, and you’ll discover for yourself that Malindi is quite the charmer.
The Marine National Park is an ideal day trip for divers and snorkellers alike. Northwest of Malindi is the spectacular Marafa Depression, locally known as Nyari and popularly known as Hell’s Kitchen. An extensive series of sandstone gorges and sheer gullies, this unique and otherworldly landscape has become part of local folklore.
The thick jungles of the Arabuko Sokoke Forest reserve hide a world of wonders. In the cool of the forest winding paths will take you in search of rare endemic birds and mammals, and visiting herds of Elephant. The forest holds another secret, the lost town of Gedi, a deserted trading Swahili town hidden deep in the forests, whose winding passages and crumbling walls tell of a long and mysterious past.
Activities include:
Sawa Sawa dhow excursions
Experience a full day trip on a Sawa Sawa – an authentic, hand-built East African dhow, made in Mozambique. Prepare for a fantastic day of sailing, exploring secluded malindi beach spots, snorkelling, a seafood lunch, and even a sundowner drink should you desire.
Visits to Marafa Hell’s Kitchen
The Marafa Depression is locally referred to as Nyari, ‘the place broken by itself. Temperatures can get to scorching levels during the day, hence the alias ‘Hell’s Kitchen’. The naturally shaped stone columns and shifting colours of this unusual sandstone mini-canyon was once the location for many ancient sacred rituals.
Local legend has it that there was once a town located in the depression. Now, worn away by wind, rain, and floods, the sandstone shows layer-cake-like colours of white, orange, deep crimson and pink. A visit to the gorge is particularly memorable at sunset when the hues are highlighted against the ribbed gullies of the sandstone.
Watamu Marine National Park
Watamu National Marine Park is Kenya’s first aqua-park. Featuring over 600 species of colourful fish and other sea creatures in addition to coral reefs and gardens, the marine park delivers an aquatic explosion of colour for the snorkelling enthusiast.
Your experience can extend above the water too; over 100 species of birds can be spotted along the shore in addition to turtles and dugongs. You also have the option of sunbathing on the untouched sandy beaches, or go water skiing or windsurfing
Gedi Ruins
The Gedi ruins remain a mystery to archaeologists. Proving that ancient African society was intricate and advanced, the Gedi ruins have all the markings of an ancient cosmopolitan settlement. Thought to have been founded in the early 13th century.
Archaeologists have also found Ming Chinese vases at the site, along with Venetian glass and other artefacts from all over the world. Coral-brick houses, a palace and even an impressive mosque remain as clear evidence that the Muslim inhabitants of the coastal Kenyan town were worldly merchant traders who developed an incredible society; all of which has now been left in a ruinous state by time and climate.
The Falconry of Kenya
The Falconry of Kenya is a private zoo that offers visitors a chance to get close to a large collection of birds of prey and other animals. Discover creatures in their enclosures, including a 200-year-old tortoise, eagles, falcons, goshawks, owls and peckers.
Mida Creek
In Malindi The Mida Creek is an impressive 20 mile (32 kilometre) inlet with wide beds of seagrass and coral. It hosts an expansive range of fish species and feeding sea turtles, and in the mangroves smaller streams and inlets provide a refuge for crabs and birdlife.
Mida is best explored by boat as you may even chance upon feeding flamingos. The creek is also an incredible kayaking destination due to the endless small channels and passages through the mangroves. The central broad water is also ideal for water skiing and wake boarding.
Along the shore, the Mida Creek Conservation Community runs a local crab farm and crab shack restaurant serving very popular dishes, including their famed crab samosas which can be enjoyed on the boardwalk and deck built over the mangroves with views across the creek. This is the perfect place for sun-downers.
Kipepeo project
‘Kipepeo’ is the Swahili word for butterfly. The Kipepeo Project showcases butterflies, moths and pupae as well as other live insects. It promotes and sells the honey and silk cloth produced by members of the local community. You can stop by for an encounter with these delicate creatures or just purchase some merchandise locally – Kenyan-made souvenirs.
Bio Ken Snake Park
The Bio-Ken Snake Park is primarily a research centre that studies reptiles; with a key focus on snakes and snake bites. The park houses the largest known collection of snakes in East Africa.
Watamu Turtle watch
Watamu Turtle Watch is a local wildlife reserve responsible for the protection of approximately 50 hawksbill and green turtles that lay their eggs on Watamu Beach. Stop by for an informative tour on these beautiful sea creatures and how the local community is involved in their conservation. The trust’s sea turtle rehabilitation centre treats injured or sick turtles. Once they are strong enough to be returned to the ocean, they are taken to the beach and released.
Diani Beach in Kwale County is one of Africa’s leading beach destinations. With a flawless, long stretch of white-sand beach hugged by lush forest and kissed by surfable waves, it's no wonder the Beach is so popular. This resort town scores points with a diverse crowd: party people, families, honeymooners, backpackers and water-sports enthusiasts. The Beach is now the trendy escape for tourists looking for respite after safari trips in the Samburu and Maasai Mara regions. At only an hour’s domestic flight away from the Kenyan capital, Nairobi, the golden stretch of beach is becoming one of the most popular sun, sea and sand destinations in the country. The first residents of this place included fishermen, pastoralists and subsistence farmers who led a quiet life here. After the First World War, European pioneers arrived and encouraged investors to buy land and develop the hotel and tourism industry upon which the economy of the area is largely focused today. Most hotels were built after independence in 1963, when roads along the coast were tarmacked and electricity supplied to the area. The Ukunda Airstrip was opened by the late president Jomo Kenyatta in 2013, and Diani developed into a cosmopolitan resort town with over 100,000 inhabitants—all while maintaining its charm and simple ambience. Today, it is one of Kenya’s most renowned tourist sights and the country’s biggest foreign money earner. Kenya is widely known for its diverse blend of cultures and traditions. Diani is mostly inhabited by Swahili people, whose culture is largely influenced by the Arabs. The prevalence of the Islamic religion and traditions govern nearly every aspect of the Swahili tribe's culture, including food, clothing, and lifestyle. Communities present in the area include the Giriama, Digo, Duruma, Rabai, Kambe, Chonyi, Jibana, Kauma, and Ribe. These tribes represent a traditional way
Sunrise in Dianifly boarding – water sports in diani beachwhite sandy beach of diani
Diani Beach in Kwale County is one of Africa’s leading beach destinations. With a flawless, long stretch of white-sand beach hugged by lush forest and kissed by surfable waves, it’s no wonder the Beach is so popular.
This resort town scores points with a diverse crowd: party people, families, honeymooners, backpackers and water-sports enthusiasts. The Beach is now the trendy escape for tourists looking for respite after safari trips in the Samburu and Maasai Mara regions.
At only an hour’s domestic flight away from the Kenyan capital, Nairobi, the golden stretch of beach is becoming one of the most popular sun, sea and sand destinations in the country.
The first residents of this place included fishermen, pastoralists and subsistence farmers who led a quiet life here. After the First World War, European pioneers arrived and encouraged investors to buy land and develop the hotel and tourism industry upon which the economy of the area is largely focused today.
Most hotels were built after independence in 1963, when roads along the coast were tarmacked and electricity supplied to the area. The Ukunda Airstrip was opened by the late president Jomo Kenyatta in 2013, and Diani developed into a cosmopolitan resort town with over 100,000 inhabitants—all while maintaining its charm and simple ambience. Today, it is one of Kenya’s most renowned tourist sights and the country’s biggest foreign money earner.
Kenya is widely known for its diverse blend of cultures and traditions. Diani is mostly inhabited by Swahili people, whose culture is largely influenced by the Arabs.
The prevalence of the Islamic religion and traditions govern nearly every aspect of the Swahili tribe’s culture, including food, clothing, and lifestyle. Communities present in the area include the Giriama, Digo, Duruma, Rabai, Kambe, Chonyi, Jibana, Kauma, and Ribe. These tribes represent a traditional way of life here
Centered around beach life, Diani is a hive of activities that cater to pursuits both on land and sea. Residents can test their swings at Leisure Lodge Golf Club, swim and dive with a whale shark, the world’s largest fish, go deep-sea fishing along the Pemba Channel, visit the coral caves at Shimoni Village – part of the historic slave trail – enjoy flora and fauna in the Mangrove forest ecosystem of the Ramisi River Delta, or try their hand at kitesurfing (Diani is also home to the annual Kenya Kite Cup in January).
A good number of parks and game reserves are nearby, including the Shimba Hills National Reserve, which is approximately 25 miles from Diani Beach and home to wildlife, including the rare sable antelope, giraffe, buffalo, leopard and a high population of elephants. The Colobus Monkey Conservation, designed to promote the protection of primates, and the Diani/Chale Marine National Park & Reserve are also surrounding attractions.
Diani Beach in Kenya is the perfect spot for surfing, because the tides are especially strong and cause great waves. The water in Diani Beach is completely free of rocks and stones, offering absolute security. In addition to the perfect surf conditions, there extremely beautiful landscapes. A bright and warm sea, yard-long white sand beaches, palm trees, sun and an African flair create a dreamlike atmosphere which you will learn to love immediately.
Diani boasts of upscale hotels and resorts, renowned restaurants and celebrated beach clubs. Various popular restaurants, such as the famous Ali Barbour’s Cave Restaurant, Leonardo’s Restaurant, Sails Beach Bar & Restaurant, Nomad Restaurant, among others, are also within easy reach.
So, whether you want to take advantage of the local cuisine, enjoy fine dining, or simply laze by the beach, frozen cocktail in hand, Diani offers a path of leisure for every kind of seeker.
The David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage Born from one family’s passion for Kenya and its wilderness, the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust was established more than 40 years ago and is best known for its Orphans' Project, the first and most successful elephant orphan rescue and rehabilitation program in the world. The Sheldrick Trust is a pioneering conservation organisation, dedicated to the protection of wildlife and the preservation of habitats in East Africa. The Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage is located near Nairobi National Park. This orphanage for Elephant Calves and Rhinos from all over Kenya was founded and still managed by Daphne Sheldrick, the widow of one of Kenya’s best known Game Wardens David Sheldrick. David Sheldrick was at the centre of the 1970’s Ivory poaching wars in Tsavo National Park. Today, the Sheldrick orphanage is a focal point for Elephant Conservation. Elephant calves orphanned by poaching are brought here from all over the country. They receive extremely specialized treatment here, and literally receive personal care 24 hours a day from highly dedicated staff who become surrogate mothers to the calves. Eventually the calves are moved to Tsavo, where they are carefully reintroduced into wild herds. The centre is open to the public each morning (11am-12pm) At this time the calves are being exercised and bathed and visitors are free to watch. This is a good centre for general information on Elephants and their Conservation.
The David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage
Born from one family’s passion for Kenya and its wilderness, the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust was established more than 40 years ago and is best known for its Orphans’ Project, the first and most successful elephant orphan rescue and rehabilitation program in the world. The Sheldrick Trust is a pioneering conservation organisation, dedicated to the protection of wildlife and the preservation of habitats in East Africa.
The Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage is located near Nairobi National Park. This orphanage for Elephant Calves and Rhinos from all over Kenya was founded and still managed by Daphne Sheldrick, the widow of one of Kenya’s best known Game Wardens David Sheldrick. David Sheldrick was at the centre of the 1970’s Ivory poaching wars in Tsavo National Park. Today, the Sheldrick orphanage is a focal point for Elephant Conservation.
Elephant calves orphanned by poaching are brought here from all over the country. They receive extremely specialized treatment here, and literally receive personal care 24 hours a day from highly dedicated staff who become surrogate mothers to the calves. Eventually the calves are moved to Tsavo, where they are carefully reintroduced into wild herds.
The centre is open to the public each morning (11am-12pm) At this time the calves are being exercised and bathed and visitors are free to watch. This is a good centre for general information on Elephants and their Conservation.
Meru National Park Meru National Park is wild and beautiful. Straddling the equator and bisected by 13 rivers and numerous mountain-fed streams, it is an especially beautiful area of Kenya. It has diverse scenery from woodlands at 3,400ft (1,036m) on the slopes of Nyambeni Mountain Range, north east of Mt. Kenya, to wide open plains with meandering riverbanks dotted with doum palms. Hundreds of bird species have made the park their home – among them the Pel’s Fishing Owl which can be heard hunting at night by the river and the rare Peter’s Finfoot. Being extremely secretive these duck-like birds are usually spotted hugging the tree-sheltered water’s edge. Keen birdwatchers should also keep their eyes peeled for the relatively rare Palm-Nut Vulture which feeds on a mixture of carrion and, not surprisingly, palm nuts. Mammals inhabiting the park include leopard, cheetah, elephant, lion, both Grevy’s and plains zebra, hartebeest, hippo, reticulated giraffe and some decent sized herds of buffalo. The big cats can sometimes be difficult to spot due to areas of tall grass cover and dense bush land. The Meru National Park has a chequered history and fared terribly during the late 1980’s when poaching became rife and the entire white rhino population which had been introduced into the park was annihilated. Meru became more famous after the worldwide release of the 1966 film ‘Born Free’ which charted the story of a hand-reared orphan lioness named “Elsa” by animal conservationist Joy Adamson. (George, Joy’s husband, had been forced into shooting Elsa’s mother after she attacked him). When Elsa eventually died, Joy buried her and is herself buried at the same site – Adamson’s Falls – next to the Tana River. A small plaque marks the grave among the often abstract shaped weathered granite blocks that have been formed by the
Meru National Park
Meru National Park is wild and beautiful. Straddling the equator and bisected by 13 rivers and numerous mountain-fed streams, it is an especially beautiful area of Kenya. It has diverse scenery from woodlands at 3,400ft (1,036m) on the slopes of Nyambeni Mountain Range, north east of Mt. Kenya, to wide open plains with meandering riverbanks dotted with doum palms.
Hundreds of bird species have made the park their home – among them the Pel’s Fishing Owl which can be heard hunting at night by the river and the rare Peter’s Finfoot. Being extremely secretive these duck-like birds are usually spotted hugging the tree-sheltered water’s edge. Keen birdwatchers should also keep their eyes peeled for the relatively rare Palm-Nut Vulture which feeds on a mixture of carrion and, not surprisingly, palm nuts.
Mammals inhabiting the park include leopard, cheetah, elephant, lion, both Grevy’s and plains zebra, hartebeest, hippo, reticulated giraffe and some decent sized herds of buffalo. The big cats can sometimes be difficult to spot due to areas of tall grass cover and dense bush land.
The Meru National Park has a chequered history and fared terribly during the late 1980’s when poaching became rife and the entire white rhino population which had been introduced into the park was annihilated.
Meru became more famous after the worldwide release of the 1966 film ‘Born Free’ which charted the story of a hand-reared orphan lioness named “Elsa” by animal conservationist Joy Adamson. (George, Joy’s husband, had been forced into shooting Elsa’s mother after she attacked him). When Elsa eventually died, Joy buried her and is herself buried at the same site – Adamson’s Falls – next to the Tana River. A small plaque marks the grave among the often abstract shaped weathered granite blocks that have been formed by the waters.
Ngare Ndare means goat waters in the Maa language. The forest was recently included as an extension of the Mount Kenya UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is a lush indigenous forest at the foot of Mt. Kenya with an immaculate, meandering silvery stream, flowing in majesty and disappearing under the canopy. Over the canopy is a skywalk board, perched high up, stretching an illusionary path to the gossamer clouds, gliding gently under azure sky. The walkway ends at a wooden platform where one can have a meal, relax and enjoy a view of Ngare Ndare River from a vantage point. Buffaloes and Elephants frequent the river to drink and wallow. Ngare Ndare forest hosts 200 year-old trees, giving a home to a variety of bird and animal species. It is an important ecosystem that connects Mount Kenya and to the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy. Activities include: swimming and diving in Ngare Ndare River, guided forest walks, birding, wildlife vieing, mountain biking, camping, canopy walks and rock climbing at the falls & at Nugu Rock as well.
Ngare Ndare means goat waters in the Maa language. The forest was recently included as an extension of the Mount Kenya UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is a lush indigenous forest at the foot of Mt. Kenya with an immaculate, meandering silvery stream, flowing in majesty and disappearing under the canopy.
Over the canopy is a skywalk board, perched high up, stretching an illusionary path to the gossamer clouds, gliding gently under azure sky. The walkway ends at a wooden platform where one can have a meal, relax and enjoy a view of Ngare Ndare River from a vantage point. Buffaloes and Elephants frequent the river to drink and wallow.
Ngare Ndare forest hosts 200 year-old trees, giving a home to a variety of bird and animal species. It is an important ecosystem that connects Mount Kenya and to the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy.
Activities include: swimming and diving in Ngare Ndare River, guided forest walks, birding, wildlife vieing, mountain biking, camping, canopy walks and rock climbing at the falls & at Nugu Rock as well.
HELL’S GATE NATIONAL PARK It’s one of the smallest National Parks in Kenya, but its unusual features and charm compensate for what it lacks in size. It covers an area of 68.25 square km and is situated in the environs of Lake Naivasha about 90km from Nairobi. The park is 14 km after the turnoff of the old Nairobi- Naivasha highway. It is characterized by diverse topography and geological scenery. The towering cliffs, water formed gorges, a variety of wild animals (such as African Buffalos, Zebras, Elands and Thomson’s Gazelles), over 100 bird species including Vultures, Verreaux’s eagles, Augur buzzards and unique flora give this park an almost magical feel. The park is also home to Olkaria Geothermal Power Station, the first productive geothermal installation in Africa. Hell’s Gate has two gates – the main Elsa Gate and the Olkaria which serves the Olkaria Geothermal Station. Hell’s gate can be visited for hiking and cycling throughout the year, but wildlife viewing is best in dry months from June to October when the grass is short. Activities include: Hiking through Hell’s gate Gorge, cycling tour of the park, Game viewing, Bird watching, Rock climbing, optional visit to the Geothermal Power Station and optional picnic or hot lunch.
HELL’S GATE NATIONAL PARK
It’s one of the smallest National Parks in Kenya, but its unusual features and charm compensate for what it lacks in size. It covers an area of 68.25 square km and is situated in the environs of Lake Naivasha about 90km from Nairobi. The park is 14 km after the turnoff of the old Nairobi- Naivasha highway. It is characterized by diverse topography and geological scenery. The towering cliffs, water formed gorges, a variety of wild animals (such as African Buffalos, Zebras, Elands and Thomson’s Gazelles), over 100 bird species including Vultures, Verreaux’s eagles, Augur buzzards and unique flora give this park an almost magical feel. The park is also home to Olkaria Geothermal Power Station, the first productive geothermal installation in Africa.
Hell’s Gate has two gates – the main Elsa Gate and the Olkaria which serves the Olkaria Geothermal Station. Hell’s gate can be visited for hiking and cycling throughout the year, but wildlife viewing is best in dry months from June to October when the grass is short.
Activities include: Hiking through Hell’s gate Gorge, cycling tour of the park, Game viewing, Bird watching, Rock climbing, optional visit to the Geothermal Power Station and optional picnic or hot lunch.
